Well, I need a little help getting my hands on some party enhancers. I'm invited to a little get together tomorrow night. I'm sure the Master of Fear knows where I can find the really good stuff.
[ He's banking on it, in fact. Authorities pulled a body from the Gotham River a few nights ago. ]
You do realize who I am, correct? I doubt you want the party favors I make. Outside that unfortunate time, I had to work with the Black Mask. Don't ask about it, but he is the one you want to speak to. But don't. Tell me what you need, I can arrange it.
[ It actually took him a few minutes to respond, he really was sick, that body in the river? Yeah, they had the flu, and Crane has never been in the best health. His smoking certainly doesn't help. ]
Fine, here is the address.
[ He was going to be pissed off when he had to move again. He was trusting Bruce Wayne here. ]
I do. It's why I asked. I thought you might know who to speak to. A few of my friends are looking to try Bliss. But none of their usual dealers can get their hands on it.
[ That narrows his suspect pool considerably. Thank you, Jon. ]
Mr. Wayne, not that I should care, except that you do realize Bliss will destroy your mind. Correct? If you must have something Sionis peddles go for Thrill. My name may not be attached, but it was my creation, I am not proud of it. However, it will also not ruin your mind.
[ That Batman likely knows, given that was in a two-year period where Scarecrow kept Jon locked away. He had made the drug for Sionis during the War Games. While still produced, Jonathan had nothing to do with it. It had nothing to do with fear. ]
I apologize in advance for the state of my home. The backdoor is broken, feel free to come in that way. Batman broke it and I am still waiting for him to fix it.
[ The Batman does know. And while he is looking for an opportunity to shut down whoever is peddling Thrill, his main interest is stopping Bliss from becoming Another Problem. ]
Oh that's good to know. I'll keep that in mind.
[ Said like a man who is going to ignore this dire warning lol. ]
[ Jonathan might have made some calls to find out about it if he felt better. He hated when the street drugs were deadly like that. Not for any moral reason, no. Just worries of finding Harleen overdosed one of these days on a bad drug. ]
See that you do, again, Gotham needs you. So avoid Thrill.
[ A moment later. ]
Absolutely not, Batman broke it, Batman can fix it. It is not about the money, it is about making a point.
[ True to his word, the back door was still unlockable, the door frame still cracked from the last time Bruce visited, not that Jon knew that. A massive, but decretive cage was in the living room, visible from the backdoor. Only one bird inside, Craw; the troublemaker.
Jon, despite how bad he felt, was making his way down the steps from his bedroom. Dressed in dark pajamas, a robe around him, and Nightmare on his shoulder. He looked like death was warming over, but he rarely gets sick. So when he does, it is a total manflu. ]
[ True to his word, Bruce arrives exactly 1 hour later, soup packed neatly. Possibly some cold and flu medication Jon's free to take or not. Funny thing is, Bruce remembers breaking the door. Remembers the reason why the door was broken in the first place. He'd have a contractor out here Monday. ]
[ His already deep voice, more of a rumble than normal just from all the coughing. Coming around the steps, he leaned in the doorway. His hair a mess, round glasses on. As sick as he was, he looked older than he was, but he wasn't aiming to impress the local billionaire.
He's seen the people Bruce courts in the papers. Why bother dressing up? ]
Please forgive the mess, Craw got a little upset and threw a fit.
[ It was pretty clean, just a lot of Halloween decorations. The mess in question was the cat toys all over the floor, one ripped apart. ] And this one is Nightmare.
[ He motioned to the larger bird on his shoulder. One who has attacked Batman before, back before Joker nearly killed the old bird and Jon stopped bringing them on jobs. The problem with Crows was they could recognize people, even with masks. But, Nightmare and Craw just cawed, but nothing more hostile.]
[ The birds aren't the only ones here who could remember faces. Bruce'd never forget the one that tried to take his eyes out, since he'd very much like to keep them where they are. He's not expecting Crane to be dressed up. If he's sick, it would be almost cruel to expect it. Besides if he's here languishing under the flu, he's not out terrorizing Gotham.
Bruce could be happy with that. ]
You're perfectly fine, Doctor. Your birds are beautiful. [ little assholes. ] If I had known I would have brought treats for them.
[ That would be Jon's favorite, and if anything happened to Nightmare, all of Gotham would know. It would be a bad day for everyone. The old bird making a clicking sound before croaking 'Fuck' in a perfect mimicry of Jon's voice. Something he's done before around Batman.
As tired as Jon was he lifted his thin hand so Nightmare could jump over and perch on his fingers as he moved over to the chair. Too tired to keep standing. He motioned to the couch for Bruce. ]
Thank you, and yes, they certainly are. [ Rude. ] No need to worry there, they are both perfectly spoiled creatures. They lack for nothing. So, thank you for the soup. Did you find what you were after? If not, I did get a contact number, but again. I advise against that drug.
[ That Bruce doesn't doubt. The birds are clearly well loved and it's...more nuance Bruce takes in for the file he's keeping on Jon. It's a very human side that he can appreciate. ]
You're welcome. There's also some medication if you need it.
[ He clasps his hands together and eyes the bird, idly wondering if it's going to be the thing that outs him at last. ]
I did find what I was looking for, actually. Thank you for the help.
[ Jonathan had been terrified of birds before his amygdala broke, Nightmare had always seemed the exception to that rule. Craw came after he was broken beyond repair. Truth be told if he left the toxin alone he would heal, but that was never happening.
And part of why Hal Jordan does everything possible to stop the yellow lantern rings that keep trying to come to Gotham. No one needs Jonathan Crane to join the Sinestro Corps. The twice he got to wear the ring was enough for all to know how terrible that idea was. ]
I was running out of NyQuil, between you and me. Thomas hates that I try to use it to sleep through these illnesses. So, I appreciate it. I am glad to hear you found what you were after, just be careful with it. It's on my list to look deeper into as a few women have died from it and I know a friend is into party drugs. I do not want that near her.
[ Bruce had to realize he was talking about Harley. ]
[ If Bruce knew, he might have subtly encouraged weaning Jon off the toxin. Maybe he could finally get his mental health sorted. Maybe Bruce could do something that actually helps him, instead of mitigating the damage Scarecrow could cause. He didn't want it to be like this forever. ]
Ah well, I think sleeping is good for illness. You'll feel better in no time with a little r and r, Dr. Crane.
[ he still eyes the bird, though it's with a curious gleam. Not a malicious or apprehensive one. ]
Thank you, I appreciate your concern. I don't think I'll use it myself. But I have some friends who want to experiment.
[ It's him, he's friends. And he wants to break down the chemical components and make an antidote for an overdose. ]
[ That was like asking the old man to stop smoking or to take better care of himself. It was never happening. The toxin was his life's work, and he would tinker at it as long as he could. ]
I agree, sleeping it off is the best thing. Sadly, he reminds me often that I am not that kind of doctor. We will see, but thank you, Mr. Wayne.
[ He meant it too, moving Nightmare back up to his shoulders, his tired eyes took in the handsome billionaire in his Halloween themed living room. What a strange life he leads. ] Well, as long as you don't I shall call it my good dead of whatever amount of time.
Not to be a downer, Mr. Wayne, but I tried that. For a very long time, I tried to be what I thought the world expected of me. Every turn I was reminded that I was nothing and I deserved ever abuse I ever suffered even before I turned to crime.
So no, I see no point in any good deeds, outside of those I give a shit about. Which somehow includes you these days.
[ The words spoken before he turned quickly and sneezed. Nightmare fluttering away. He sounds awful, but the years of smoking certainly doesnt help.]
[ Crane's been useful in working some of his recent cases. Bruce's used the intel to dig up leads and that have helped to move the investigation forward. But sometimes, Bruce wonders if he's allowed this to go on longer than it needed to. It's not like he needed Crane for intel. Not when he had Barbara and her many many eyes spread out across the city.
Crane just gave the information Bruce often needed a nuance that helped him see the clues and how they fit together more clearly. He could provide things cameras could not - like motivation. ]
That's very kind of you to say. [ He pauses ] If it means anything to you, I don't think you're nothing.
[ Crane had no idea, of course, if he did, Jon would drop all the niceties and likely accuse Wayne of using him. Ruining any chance to keep the calm almost friendship for good.
Looking up at Wayne again when he spoke, the rarest of smiles crossed his face. One that made him look closer to his age. Despite the gauntness of his features. The only downside to that smile is it made the scar on his chin from Lyle Bolton's abuses in Arkham all the more noticeable. Not that Crane ever admitted to what happened, beyond 'fell down some steps.']
Kind? No. I just speak the truth when it comes to you. Though, thank you, it is kind of you to say.
[ Honestly? Bruce was using Crane. Not in a way that he'd consider malicious; it wasn't like Crane was being forced into anything. Bruce wasn't dangling him off rooftops and demanding answers in exchange for leaving his bones in tact. The relationship was mutually beneficial. Though maybe the trade off is tipped in Bruce's favor more often than Jon's. Bruce couldn't help it, though. He'd always look for the advantage.
He catches that smile and damnit if it's not a nice thing to see from Jon. It almost makes him smile too. Almost. But not quite. ]
I should let you rest, Doctor. Can I check on you in a few days?
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[ He's banking on it, in fact. Authorities pulled a body from the Gotham River a few nights ago. ]
Alfred won't mind.
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[ It actually took him a few minutes to respond, he really was sick, that body in the river? Yeah, they had the flu, and Crane has never been in the best health. His smoking certainly doesn't help. ]
Fine, here is the address.
[ He was going to be pissed off when he had to move again. He was trusting Bruce Wayne here. ]
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[ That narrows his suspect pool considerably. Thank you, Jon. ]
I'll bring it to you. Don't worry.
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[ That Batman likely knows, given that was in a two-year period where Scarecrow kept Jon locked away. He had made the drug for Sionis during the War Games. While still produced, Jonathan had nothing to do with it. It had nothing to do with fear. ]
I apologize in advance for the state of my home. The backdoor is broken, feel free to come in that way. Batman broke it and I am still waiting for him to fix it.
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Oh that's good to know. I'll keep that in mind.
[ Said like a man who is going to ignore this dire warning lol. ]
I'll fix your door.
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See that you do, again, Gotham needs you. So avoid Thrill.
[ A moment later. ]
Absolutely not, Batman broke it, Batman can fix it. It is not about the money, it is about making a point.
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Ah well. If I ever meet him again, I'll remind him.
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That said, I will make sure they are in their cage when you arrive, just let me know a few minutes beforehand.
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[ True to his word, the back door was still unlockable, the door frame still cracked from the last time Bruce visited, not that Jon knew that. A massive, but decretive cage was in the living room, visible from the backdoor. Only one bird inside, Craw; the troublemaker.
Jon, despite how bad he felt, was making his way down the steps from his bedroom. Dressed in dark pajamas, a robe around him, and Nightmare on his shoulder. He looked like death was warming over, but he rarely gets sick. So when he does, it is a total manflu. ]
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Dr. Crane?
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[ His already deep voice, more of a rumble than normal just from all the coughing. Coming around the steps, he leaned in the doorway. His hair a mess, round glasses on. As sick as he was, he looked older than he was, but he wasn't aiming to impress the local billionaire.
He's seen the people Bruce courts in the papers. Why bother dressing up? ]
Please forgive the mess, Craw got a little upset and threw a fit.
[ It was pretty clean, just a lot of Halloween decorations. The mess in question was the cat toys all over the floor, one ripped apart. ] And this one is Nightmare.
[ He motioned to the larger bird on his shoulder. One who has attacked Batman before, back before Joker nearly killed the old bird and Jon stopped bringing them on jobs. The problem with Crows was they could recognize people, even with masks. But, Nightmare and Craw just cawed, but nothing more hostile.]
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Bruce could be happy with that. ]
You're perfectly fine, Doctor. Your birds are beautiful. [ little assholes. ] If I had known I would have brought treats for them.
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As tired as Jon was he lifted his thin hand so Nightmare could jump over and perch on his fingers as he moved over to the chair. Too tired to keep standing. He motioned to the couch for Bruce. ]
Thank you, and yes, they certainly are. [ Rude. ] No need to worry there, they are both perfectly spoiled creatures. They lack for nothing. So, thank you for the soup. Did you find what you were after? If not, I did get a contact number, but again. I advise against that drug.
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You're welcome. There's also some medication if you need it.
[ He clasps his hands together and eyes the bird, idly wondering if it's going to be the thing that outs him at last. ]
I did find what I was looking for, actually. Thank you for the help.
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And part of why Hal Jordan does everything possible to stop the yellow lantern rings that keep trying to come to Gotham. No one needs Jonathan Crane to join the Sinestro Corps. The twice he got to wear the ring was enough for all to know how terrible that idea was. ]
I was running out of NyQuil, between you and me. Thomas hates that I try to use it to sleep through these illnesses. So, I appreciate it. I am glad to hear you found what you were after, just be careful with it. It's on my list to look deeper into as a few women have died from it and I know a friend is into party drugs. I do not want that near her.
[ Bruce had to realize he was talking about Harley. ]
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Ah well, I think sleeping is good for illness. You'll feel better in no time with a little r and r, Dr. Crane.
[ he still eyes the bird, though it's with a curious gleam. Not a malicious or apprehensive one. ]
Thank you, I appreciate your concern. I don't think I'll use it myself. But I have some friends who want to experiment.
[ It's him, he's friends. And he wants to break down the chemical components and make an antidote for an overdose. ]
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I agree, sleeping it off is the best thing. Sadly, he reminds me often that I am not that kind of doctor. We will see, but thank you, Mr. Wayne.
[ He meant it too, moving Nightmare back up to his shoulders, his tired eyes took in the handsome billionaire in his Halloween themed living room. What a strange life he leads. ] Well, as long as you don't I shall call it my good dead of whatever amount of time.
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I think you could do a lot of good deeds, Doctor Crane. If you really wanted to.
[ They don't always have to punch each other. Give peace a chance, Jon. ]
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So no, I see no point in any good deeds, outside of those I give a shit about. Which somehow includes you these days.
[ The words spoken before he turned quickly and sneezed. Nightmare fluttering away. He sounds awful, but the years of smoking certainly doesnt help.]
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Crane just gave the information Bruce often needed a nuance that helped him see the clues and how they fit together more clearly. He could provide things cameras could not - like motivation. ]
That's very kind of you to say. [ He pauses ] If it means anything to you, I don't think you're nothing.
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Looking up at Wayne again when he spoke, the rarest of smiles crossed his face. One that made him look closer to his age. Despite the gauntness of his features. The only downside to that smile is it made the scar on his chin from Lyle Bolton's abuses in Arkham all the more noticeable. Not that Crane ever admitted to what happened, beyond 'fell down some steps.']
Kind? No. I just speak the truth when it comes to you. Though, thank you, it is kind of you to say.
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He catches that smile and damnit if it's not a nice thing to see from Jon. It almost makes him smile too. Almost. But not quite. ]
I should let you rest, Doctor. Can I check on you in a few days?
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